Trees for Troops, a program started by the Christmas Spirit Foundation, will provide 16,000 donated trees from 29 states to military installations across the U.S. and overseas.

FortBenning will get 730 of those trees.

The Directorate of Morale, Welfare and Recreation will give away the trees from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Dec. 8 at the parking lot across from Java Café on Gaudette Street. If there are any trees left at the end of the day, they will be available at 8 a.m. Dec. 9.

“Some of our families and Soldiers can’t afford to purchase a live Christmas tree, so this gives them the opportunity to get one for free,” said Darlene Hines, outdoor recreation specialist of DFMWR.

“The cost of a tree can be $50 or more. This will save families money so they can either save the extra money or spend it on other things like holiday food or presents.”

With the economy nowadays, saving money is important, Hines said.

This is the fourth year of the program at FortBenning.

The program is on a first-come, first-served basis so the earlier you come in the day, the better pick you’ll have, Hines said. Most of the bigger trees are the first to go.

All active-duty Soldiers and family members are eligible to receive one tree per family.

Since 2005, the program has delivered 34,000 trees to more than 40 U.S. military installations and units overseas.

Tree netting will be available and volunteers will be there to assist people. Refreshments will be served and teddy bears will be given out, donated by FedEx, while supplies last.